STATEWIDE–There is a “slight” risk for severe weather in the southern part of Indiana Thursday, while central Indiana will be under a “marginal” risk.
A marginal risk is the lowest designation. It means storms could be spotty, and typically will be limited in duration and/or intensity. A slight risk means thunderstorms will likely be powerful but scattered. They can be intense.
“Areas generally along and south of I-70 have a chance of a few severe storms with damaging winds being the primary threat,” said Chad Swain, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. “Rain will move in Thursday morning, but I don’t think the heavier rain will come in until Thursday afternoon, which will continue into Thursday evening.”
Swain said after the storms move through, rain will stick around and the winds will pick up. A high wind watch will be in effect from Thursday evening through Friday morning.
“Sustained winds will likely be up to 35 mph, but we could have gusts as high as 60 mph mainly from Indianapolis up to the northeast,” said Swain.
If you live in southern Indiana, Swain said it’s best if you figure out what your “safe place” is in your home and be prepared.
“The tornado threat is pretty low at this time, but you should pay attention to the forecast to see if it changes,” said Swain. “The high winds after the storms are going to go all the way up from northeastern Indiana into Ohio.”
Swain said there is a chance of more rain Saturday after a “calm” Friday, but he doesn’t expect severe weather during that time. He also believes temperatures will warm up into the 70s by the weekend.
